The scope of our pain management services includes both medical and non-medical therapies. In addition to the specific therapeutic approaches offered in the pain center, we work closely with a number of physicians and area health-care practitioners on a referral basis, including specialists in neurology, physical medicine, psychology, physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and spiritual healing.
An individual treatment plan is designed for each patient, depending on the patient’s problem and preferences.
We treat patients with a variety of chronic pain problems including:
- neck and back pain from spinal disorders, herniated disks, and orteoporosis
- myofascial pain
- chronic regional pain syndrome
- post-herpetic neuralgia
- intractable cancer pain
- post-operative pain that remains unresolved
- unresolved migraine
Medical pain management
There are several options for medical pain management in treating chronic pain. Your pain specialist will talk with you about what those options are, their benefits and drawbacks, given your individual situation. We may also recommend referrals for physical therapy or aqua therapy, which can be very effective tools for pain management. Appropriate exercise done correctly can help build tolerance and reduce pain over time. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy is another treatment modality that has proven effective in helping certain patients manage their pain.
Interventional approaches
There are many different interventional approaches to pain management. Each intervention has its own specific purpose, associated risks, and benefits. Your doctor will recommend a course of treatment depending on your individual assessment.
Fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections
Fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections are often recommended to manage low back and/or leg pain caused by sciatica. Typically these injections comprise a fast-acting local anesthetic for temporary pain relief and cortisone (a steroid) to reduce chronic inflammation for longer lasting pain relief. The injection is administered with live imaging guidance, which accurately guides the doctor to the epidural space.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation can be used to provide pain relief for patients suffering from chronic back and neck pain caused by degenerative changes in the spine due to arthritis. This minimally invasive procedure uses a radio wave to heat a small area of nerve tissue, which decreases its ability to transmit pain impulses. Radiofrequency ablation is performed with fluoroscopic (live imaging) guidance.
Nerve blocks
Nerve blocks involve the injection of a nerve-numbing medication and may be recommended for either diagnosing or managing pain that is caused by a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion. Diagnostic nerve blocks can be used to locate the source of pain, while therapeutic nerve blocks can be used to control acute pain.
Trigger point injections
Trigger point injections can provide relief from painful focal areas of muscle spasm called trigger points. The peripheral nerve pain from trigger points often responds well to the injection of an anesthetic or combination of anesthetic and cortisone.